Method for tendon repair

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a device and method for repairing a partially or totally ruptured tendon. The device comprises an implant placed inside or outside of the tendon on either side of the rupture in order to strengthen the ruptured area during repair. Once positioned inside the tendon, the tendon is held in place so it can heal either by sewing or stapling through the tendon and implant, or by any other suitable method that utilizes the implant to provide strength to the ruptured area. In this manner the tendon can heal with less chance of rupturing again prior to healing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application in a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/548,060 entitled “DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TENDON REPAIR,”filed on Jul. 12, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/589,526 entitled “TENDON REPAIR DEVICE ANDMETHOD,” filed on Jan. 23, 2012, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method for repairing aruptured tendon that reduces the likelihood of the tendon beingpartially or completely ruptured again while healing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a tendon is partially or totally ruptured or severed (collectively,“a rupture”), the two ends of the tendon where the rupture occurred arereattached surgically. In practice, this is accomplished by a surgeonstitching (i.e., suturing) the two ends together. The suturing can bedone in any suitable manner, as there have been many demonstratedtechniques of suture repair. A problem with these standard suturetechniques is that the sutured tendon is relatively weak until thetendon is fully healed and the tendon can rupture if the force appliedto the repaired tendon exceeds the strength of the repair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises an implant placed inside or outside a rupturedtendon on both sides of the rupture in order to strengthen the tendonrepair of the ruptured area during healing. Once positioned inside oroutside the tendon the implant and tendon are secured together by sewingor stapling through the tendon and implant, or by any other suitablemethod (including staples, tacks or rivets) that utilizes the implant toprovide strength to the ruptured area. In this manner the tendon canheal with less chance of rupturing again prior to healing.

Instead of an internal implant, each end of the ruptured tendon may bepositioned inside a tube (or other type of external implant) andretained there in order for the tendon to heal. Again, the materialforming the external implant adds strength to the ruptured area to helpprevent the tendon from rupturing again prior to healing. The tendon andexternal implant can be secured together by any physical means, such asthose as noted above.

Methods of using tendon repair devices according to the invention arealso disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2C show an embodiment of a needle according to the invention.

FIG. 3A-3D show various implants having surface textures and materialconfigurations according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts the first step in positioning a device according to theinvention in a ruptured tendon.

FIG. 5 depicts a second step in positioning a device according to theinvention in a ruptured tendon.

FIGS. 6A-6C depicts a third step in positioning a device according tothe invention in a ruptured tendon.

FIG. 7 depicts a fourth step in positioning a device according to theinvention in a ruptured tendon.

FIG. 8 depicts a needle according to the invention.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment wherein needles or spikes are used totemporarily or permanently secure the ruptured area of a tendon inplace.

FIG. 10 shows rivets that could be used to secure an insert in place ina tendon for repair.

FIG. 11 shows rivets of the type shown in FIG. 10 that could be used tosecure an insert inside of or outside of a tendon.

FIG. 12 shows another type of fastener that may be used to secure aninsert inside of or outside of a tendon.

FIG. 13 shows a tendon that is first secured over spikes or needles anda knife that goes through the tendon to pull an insert through thetendon and the rupture.

FIG. 14 shows an insert according to an aspect of the invention thatincludes directional barbs that help prevent the insert from beingdislodged from the tendon.

FIG. 15 shows an alternative shaped insert that may be used inside of atendon.

FIG. 16 shows an insert that is positioned outside of the tendon.

FIG. 17 shows two cross-sectional views of inserts that may bepositioned outside of a tendon.

FIG. 17A is a view of an embodiment of the insert of FIG. 16 laid outflat to show its interior surface.

FIGS. 18-20 show different embodiments of an insert that may be usedinside of a tendon.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a clamp and tool used to position and crimp theclamp that can be used to secure an insert according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the Figures, where the purpose is to describe a preferredembodiment of the invention and not to limit same, FIG. 1 shows a tendonrepair device 10 according to an aspect of the invention. Device 10 hasa support implant 11 having a body portion 12, with a first end 12A andsecond end 12B. The function of support implant 11 is to be insertedinto each end of a ruptured tendon 1 so as strengthen the repair to therupture in order to help prevent the tendon from rupturing again priorto healing. Once ruptured, the tendon has a first end 2 and another,second end 4. The two ends must be connected to repair the rupture.

Implant 11 can be formed of any suitable bio-absorbable ornon-bio-absorbable material, and Implant may be a mesh like or clothlike, flexible material. Textured edges, scalloping or other physicalcharacteristics may be present on implant 11 to increase its frictionwith the tendon to help prevent slippage.

In one preferred embodiment, implant 11 comprises standard suturematerial, which is either absorbable or nonabsorbable. Such materialincludes threads that may be monofilament or polyfilament braid or weaveformed in approximately a 6 cm×3 mm mesh. The insert may be tubular, orgenerally flat, or of any suitable configuration.

Exemplary embodiments of implants according to various aspects of theinvention may include a fabric material. Such fabric material may bewoven, knitted, braided, and/or twisted. The fabric may comprise anydesired combination of absorbable and non-absorbable materials,including silk, cotton, metal, and/or synthetic fibers. The fabric maybe of any suitable size, shape, thickness, and density.

Examples of absorbable materials that may be used in conjunction withembodiments of the invention include polyglactin, polycaprolate,poliglecaprone, polysorb, polyglygolic acid, polylactic acid,polydioxanone, caprolactone, collagen, surgical gut, and combinationsthereof. Examples of non-absorbable materials that may be used inconjunction with embodiments of the invention include polypropylene,polyester, nylon, silk, cotton, metal, and combinations thereof.

The implant 11 could also be pretreated with an antibiotic or growthenhancing substance. There are many commercially-availablepharmacological agents such as antibiotics and therapeutic agents suchas growth hormones and/or bioactive molecules that may accelerate tendonhealing. Additionally, non-bioactive products may be incorporated intothe implant to physically strengthen the repair.

In the preferred embodiment, end 12A and 12B are each attached to aseparate needle 14. Each needle 14 is for being inserted into one of theends of the ruptured tendon 1 and to pull body portion 12 of implant 11into the first end 2 of the tendon and the second end 4 of the tendon,respectively. Any suitable needle or other device may be used for thispurpose. It is preferred, however, that the needle have a shape thatpredetermines how far it penetrates along the length of each end of thetendon 1. In the embodiment shown, each needle 14 has a relativelystraight portion 14A and a curved portion 14B, as best seen in FIGS. 1and 8. Other devices for insertion of an insert 11 could be used, suchas reamers designed to open a path in the tendon for insert placement.

The size and shape of needle 14 is determined by the size and shape ofthe particular implant. In this current depiction, the dimensions ofneedle 14 are 2 cm in length and 3 mm wide at the portion to which theimplant 11 is attached. The size and shape of needle 14 depends on thesize of the tendon to be repaired and the type of implant used tosupport the ruptured area of the tendon. Different needle lengths andsizes may be required for different size tendons and different spacerequirements within the body.

Implant 11 has an outer surface 16. Outer surface 16 preferably has asurface that creates friction with the inner part of the tendon 1, whichouter surface 16 will contact when inserted into tendon 1. The purposeof the friction is to bind implant 11 with the tendon to help insure thetwo do not separate and thus to help strengthen the support provided byimplant 11 at the rupture site.

The outer surface 16 of implant 11 may have any one of or combination ofconfigurations to create friction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3Athe outer surface includes stiplets 18. In a preferred embodiment, thestiplets 18 are between 1 mm and 2 mm in height (as measured accordingto the distance from the main portion 16A of the outer surface), andmost preferably about 0.5-2 mm in height. The size of the stiplets mayvary, however, according to the size of the tendon and type of rupturebeing repaired. For example, the stiplets may be between 0.5 mm and 4 mmin height and between 0.5 mm and 4 mm in diameter at the base.

It is preferred that each stiplet 18 is between 0.5-5 mm in distancefrom the next closest stiplet 18, although any suitable distance may beselected. The implant could resemble a string of pearls (as shown inFIGS. 3B and 15) which would have relatively large variations betweenthe larger stiplets and the smaller size of the implant between thestiplets. It is also possible that implant 11 could have a co-figurationsuch as a stiplets on a tape strip or cord that might be, for example, 3mm wide by lmm thick and have with stiplets on either or both sides, orhave a top and/or bottom surface that is microtextured in any manner,and may simply be the surface of a coarse, braided cloth material.

FIGS. 3B and 3C show implants that have ribbed outer surfaces. In FIG.3B the diameter of the main portion 16B of the outer surface isrelatively narrow, and each rib 20 has a height of approximately 0.5 mmas measured from the main portion 16B, although any suitable height maybe utilized, such as between 1 mm-8 mm.

In FIG. 3C the diameter of the main portion 16C is larger than thediameter of main portion 16B, and each rib 22 has a height ofapproximately 0.5 mm as measured from the main portion 16C, although anysuitable height may be utilized, such as between 1 mm-8 mm.

FIG. 3D shows an implant with a serpentine outer wall 16D. In thisembodiment, the variation between the smallest diameter of the implantand the lowest is about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, although any suitabledimensions, for example between 1 mm and 2 mm to 5 mm, or 2 mm and 3 mmto 5 mm, may be used.

It is also possible to combine any of the concepts shown in FIGS. 3A-3D,14 and 15. For example, the implant 11 could have a serpentine outerwall and also include stiplets and/or ribs. Further, the implant mayinclude backward angled barbs that allow the implant to be pulledthrough the tendon, but that resist removal when pulled in a directionagainst the barbs, as shown in FIG. 14.

Once the implant 11 in positioned into each end 2 and 4 of the rupturedtendon 1, the two ends 2 and 4 of the tendon 1 and the implant 11 aremechanically attached in any suitable manner, such as by suturing,stapling, or using surgical rivets or pins.

One method of effectuating a repair is shown in FIGS. 4-7. FIG. 4 showsends 2 and 4 of ruptured tendon 1 being initially attached with asuture. FIG. 5 shows a needle 14 with end 12A of implant 11 attachedthereto being pushed through first end 2 of tendon 1. This pulls part ofthe body portion 12 into the first end 2. When the needle 14 passesthrough the outer surface of tendon 1 it pulls the implant 11 with it.The implant material is cut away from the needle 14, and preferablyclose to the outer surface of the tendon 1.

This same procedure is repeated on end 4 of tendon 1.

Once the implant 11 is positioned in tendon 1, the ruptured ends on thetendon and the implant are mechanically attached. As shown in FIG. 7,this is done using any of the known tendon suturing techniques. Anysuitable technique, however, such as a suturing technique, stapling, orother mechanical method of attachment could be utilized. Adhesive mightbe used to augment the repair. In this manner, the implant addssignificant strength to the rupture area and helps to prevent it fromrupturing or pulling apart partially to create a gap under a load priorto healing.

An alternate implant 30 is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Implant 30 is ahollow tube into which the first end 2 and second end 4 of the rupturedtendon 1 are placed so they touch, and are preferably pressed together.In this embodiment, there is an opening 31 along one side of insert 30to make placement of insert 30 around tendon 1 simple. The implant 30has an inner surface 32 defining a cavity 34 that is dimensioned toreceive each end 2 and 4 of ruptured tendon 1. The tendon ends 2 and 4,and the implant 30 would then be mechanically attached with any of theprior mentioned suture techniques, staples, rivets, pins, clamps, or inany suitable manner. Additionally, inner surface 32 may includeapparatus 36 that enables each end 2 and 4 of tendon 4 to be insertedinto cavity 34, and that tend to hold the ends of the tendon in placeand resist the ends 2 and 4 from being removed from cavity 34.

For example, inner surface 32 could have structures 36 that arebackward-facing ribs or barbs as shown in FIG. 17A, which could extendany suitable distance outward from inner surface 32. Such structurescould, for example, extend between 0.5 mm to 2 mm from inner surface 32.

Once the ends 2 and 4 of tendon 1 have been inserted into implant 30,the ends and implant 30 are mechanically attached in the mannerpreviously described with respect to implant 11.

Alternatively, an implant placed on the outside of tendon 1 may not haveany openings, such as opening 31, as shown in cross-sectional view 30A.

FIG. 9 shows needles 40 that can be used to secure a tendon in placewith ends 2 and 4 juxtaposed prior to or after an insert 11 or insert 30has been placed in or on the tendon 1 and secured thereto.

FIG. 10 depicts staples or rivets 45 that are placed by a stapler 42 tosecure a tendon and insert inside of or outside the tendon according tomethods and structures of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows rivets 45 positioned through an outer insert 30 andthrough a tendon 1 to hold insert 30 and ruptured ends 2 and 4 in place.

FIG. 12 shows another type of rivet 46 that can be used to secure aruptured tendon and insert in position.

FIG. 13 shows a method and structure by which a ruptured tendon 1 issecured on spikes 50 to hold it in place. As shown in this Figure, aknife or needle is pushed through tendon 1 to pull insert 11therethrough to strengthen the rupture area at ends 2 and 4. The tendon1 and insert 11 are then mechanically secured using any of thetechniques described herein. However, pins or spikes may be used tosecure a tendon in place prior to repair using several of the techniquesdescribed herein.

FIGS. 14 and 15, which have previously been described, show alternateembodiments of insert 11 that is positioned inside of tendon 1 toeffectuate a rupture repair.

FIGS. 18-20 show alternate configurations of insert 11 that may bepositioned inside of tendon 1 to effectuate a rupture repair. Any ofthese embodiments may include structures such as stiplets, ribs, barbsor textured surfaces to secure them inside of a tendon 1.

FIGS. 21-22 show a clamp 60 according to the invention and a tool 70that may be used to position and compress clamp 60. Clamp 60 and tool 70are known to those skilled in the art.

Having thus described some embodiments of the invention, othervariations and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of theinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope ofthe present invention is thus not limited to any particular embodiment,but is instead set forth in the appended claims and the legalequivalents thereof. Unless expressly stated in the written descriptionor claims, the steps of any method recited in the claims may beperformed in any order capable of yielding the desired result.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of repairing a ruptured tendon by usinga tendon repair device that includes a body with an outer surfaceincluding stiplets, the tendon having a first end on one side of therupture and a second end on the other side of the rupture, the methodcomprising the steps of: positioning a first end of the tendon repairdevice into the first end of the tendon; positioning a second end of thetendon repair device into the second end of the tendon; pressingtogether the first end of the tendon and the second end of the tendonover the tendon repair device.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thefirst end of the tendon is physically attached to the second end of thetendon by suturing.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first end ofthe tendon is physically attached to the second end of the tendon by oneor more of staples, rivets, snaps and clamps.
 4. A method of repairing aruptured tendon by using a tendon repair device comprising a hollow tubehaving an inner surface including raised portions comprising one or moreof ribs, backward angled ribs, barbs and stiplets, the tendon having afirst end on one side of the rupture and a second end on the other sideof the rupture, the method comprising the steps of: positioning thefirst end of the tendon into a first end of the tendon repair device;positioning the second end of the tendon into a second end of the tendonrepair device; pressing together the first end of the tendon to thesecond end of the tendon inside of the tendon repair device.
 5. Themethod of claim 4 wherein the first end of the tendon is physicallyattached to the second end of the tendon by suturing.
 6. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the first end of the tendon is physically attached tothe second end of the tendon by one or more of staples, rivets, snapsand clamps.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein the first end of the tendonis held in place against the second end of the tendon by clamping thefirst end of the tendon and the second end of the tendon.
 8. The methodof claim 5 wherein the tendon is first secured into position by pins orspikes.
 9. The method of claim 6 wherein the tendon is first securedinto position by pins or spikes.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein theouter surface of the tendon repair device further includes: one of aspiraled configuration, a cruciate cross section, and a plurality ofoutwardly-extending ribs.
 11. The method of claim 4 wherein the innersurface of the tendon repair device further includes one of a spiraledconfiguration and a cruciate cross section.